8 Best Delhi Tours that Cover the City's Top Attractions

If you want to go sightseeing in Delhi, the easiest way is to take a Delhi tour. Of course, tours aren't for everyone but they do have many advantages. You won't have to worry about being hassled, getting lost, or transport. In addition, you'll get to enjoy insider knowledge and some unique experiences. These tours are focused on Delhi's top attractions.

This is perhaps the most popular tour in Delhi, and for a good reason. It offers personal and rare insights into everyday life in Old Delhi that you won't get anywhere else. The owner of one of the few remaining old havelis (private mansions) will take you on a morning walk through the neighborhood and then back to his home for an interactive cooking session and lunch. Plus, a spectacular 360 degree view of Old Delhi from the rooftop terrace. It's possible to continue the tour in the afternoon. The morning tour through the bazaars of Old Delhi is food-oriented, while the afternoon tour provides the opportunity to explore other famous market areas around Chandni Chowk.

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Lutyens' Delhi

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In contrast to disorderly and crumbling Old Delhi, Lutyens' Delhi encompasses the orderly and imposing buildings of New Delhi that were designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, when the British shifted their capital there in 1911. This includes Rashtrapati Bhawan (where the President of India lives), Parliament House, India Gate, Rajpath (King’s Way), Janpath (Queen’s Way), and government official bungalows. This half-day Lutyens' Delhi tour also includes Connaught Place, Gurudwara Bangla Saheb (Sikh temple), Laxmi Narayan Birla Mandir (Hindu temple), and the National Musuem. Alternatively, you can explore Lutyens' Delhi on this fun Delhi City Segway Tour.

If you've only got one day to see Delhi, then this comprehensive tour is for you! The morning is devoted to Old Delhi and the afternoon to New Delhi. You'll see most of Delhi's top attractions including Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana (the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister), Jama Masjid, the Red Fort, Chandi Chowk, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, and India Gate. The tour also drives by many important government buildings in Lutyens' Delhi, and ends at Connaught Place.

Although it's out of the way, the rich heritage of south Delhi shouldn't be overlooked as many important historical monuments are located there -- often amid sprawling parks and gardens. The area is perfect for a peaceful walking tour. This half-day tour covers UNESCO World Heritage Site Qutub Minar with its early-Afghan architecture (it's the most popular monument in Delhi), Lodi Gardens, and Humayun’s Tomb.

No, it's voyeuristic not poverty tourism, but rather the opportunity to have a look at how the community inside one of Delhi's slums lives and thrives despite obvious challenges. You'll see small scale industry, places of worship, and residential quarters. Plus, there's the option to have lunch with a family in their home. 80% of tour profits are invested in helping the community.

Delhi is renowned for its markets and is an outstanding place to shop. And, what better way to do so than with a local who knows exactly where to go. Ketaki has been helping people get the best from their shopping experience for the last 10 years. She'll take you off the beaten track (skip those overpriced emporiums!) to stores that stock exactly what you're looking for, and ensure you get the best deals. Ladies, this includes clothing wholesalers! There's no pressure to buy anything either. What's more, Ketaki adds cultural context to the shopping tour by providing commentary about the areas visited, such as the history of Chandni Chowk.

Delhi has numerous temples and places of worship with magnificent architecture from all faiths. This fascinating full-day tour will enable you to learn about some of the various religions that make India such a diverse country. It includes Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (Delhi’s most popular Sikh shrine), the tomb of the Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, the Lotus Temple of the all-inclusive Bahai Faith, and Akshardham (the largest Hindu temple complex in the world). You'll also get to drive through various residential neighborhoods of Delhi and visit a local market. Do dress conservatively, covering legs and shoulders. If possible, bring a scarf to cover your head when required too.

If you're interested in history, you'll enjoy learning about Mahatma Gandhi, renowned for his message of non-violence and truth. Gandhi is affectionately referred to as the "Father of a Nation", for his role in securing India's independence. On this tour, you'll get to visit all the sites associated with his life and untimely death (he was assassinated in 1948), and hear stories of his courage. Attractions include Gandhi Smriti, where Gandhi's life ended, the Gandhi Memorial Museum, and Raj Ghat where he was cremated.